Migrating to the Netherlands through a Residence Permit for Study at the PhD or postdoctoral level is one of the most ideal and strategic immigration pathways. PhD programs in the Netherlands typically last four years and are offered entirely in English across all disciplines. A significant advantage is that applicants are generally not required to submit an IELTS or equivalent language certificate. If your English proficiency is sufficiently high and your prospective supervisor confirms it through an online interview, a formal language certificate is not mandatory—though having one will certainly enhance your application and expedite the admission process.
Master’s degrees from all public and Islamic Azad universities in Iran are recognized by Dutch institutions. In the Netherlands, both PhD and postdoctoral positions are considered full-time employment. From the outset, you will enter the country under a work contract, receive a monthly salary, and conduct research under the supervision of a university professor. These positions are research-based and do not require coursework or comprehensive examinations. The primary focus is on writing a dissertation and producing publishable academic work.
Due to the favorable structure and conditions of PhD and postdoctoral programs in the Netherlands, applications are highly competitive and attract candidates not only from developing countries but also from the U.S., Canada, and other European nations. Therefore, simply having a language certificate or a published academic article is not sufficient. A well-structured resume, a Dutch-style motivation letter, and most importantly, a strong and relevant research proposal are crucial.
Given the competitive nature of PhD admissions, our key recommendation is to first complete a one-year Master’s program in the Netherlands. Building direct relationships with professors significantly increases your chances of securing a PhD position. Dutch universities, especially those with the status of Recognised Sponsor (erkende referent) by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), often show strong preference and trust toward their own graduates, making it easier to overcome other potential deficiencies in your application. For more details, please refer to the article on Master’s programs in the Netherlands available on this website.
Upon receiving your PhD or postdoctoral admission, your spouse (regardless of gender) will be granted the right to work full-time, and your children will be eligible to attend some of the best schools in Europe free of charge.
After completing your program, you will receive an additional one-year Orientation Year Residence Permit (zoekjaar vergunning) to search for employment. Altogether, upon completing five years of legal residence in the Netherlands, you and your family will become eligible to apply for Dutch and European Union citizenship and obtain official identity documents and passports. It’s that straightforward.
To start your legal and efficient academic migration journey, we invite you to book an online consultation through this website with Mr. Khademi, an attorney-at-law and founder of the legal institute AdvoLinK, based in the Netherlands.